Joy,
I think you have brought up a very good subject. I have two 'seniors'. My younger girl turned 9 years in December, and my older girl will be 12 in April. They're just 2 years and 8 months apart in age. So far, I've been blessed that they are still active and very healthy. But I admit, I am aware that I will most likely lose them pretty close together, and I know when that time comes, it is going to be unbearable.
I try hard to live in the moment, but like yorkiegirl83, I have always saved for medical expenses, etc.
And I am conscious of feeding them the best food possible, maintaining their weight, and having their annual vet exams. I don't hesitate to take them to the vet. This summer, my tiny 4#er, Kia had a UTI, and because of her age, we had her bladder, kidneys, etc. xrayed to make sure nothing was developing. (At a younger age, most likely we would have given her meds, cleared up the infection and not worried.)
I cherish every day with them.
Because they are seniors, we have decided not to bring in anymore new babies, because we feel our primary responsibility is to make sure we can financially care for our girls and any aging medical issues they may develop.
Our first Yorkie died of renal failure just past the age of 13. (She had also developed a heart murmur at age 9.) So, believe me, her medical expenses were high in her senior years.
No, it's not all fun and games...but, look at it this way, we do it, because of the unconditional love they have given us all of their lives.
Sheila |